Plantation Shutter Myths Busted
We’ve exposed some shutter myths in the past. During our last myth-debunking spree, we exposed some of the most common misunderstandings people have regarding plantation shutters in Fort Myers.
This time, the Sunburst Shutters Fort Myers team is back to set it straight on a couple more myths we’ve heard from homeowners in and around Florida. Let’s get started.
Myth: “Plantation Shutters Don’t Look Good In Anything Except Southern Houses.”
When some homeowners see the words “plantation shutters,” their minds immediately go to the image of a huge, sprawling southern house surrounded by fields. Though it’s true that the shutters owe their name to that location and time, plantation shutters were seen commonly in homes much earlier and much later than 19th Century Southern America.
However, plantation shutters can give those very same perks to any style of home. Craftsman style houses can utilize shutters, just as Colonial homes, Cape Cod houses, and even lake houses can.
Myth: “My Home Style Won’t Work With Shutters Is Too Distinct For Shutters.”
Because plantation shutters have been so popular for so long, some people may have gotten the impression that shutters may look a little boring. A previous customer once told us that they thought that their home was “too distinct” to install shutters, which was a big head-scratcher–since shutters are the one window treatment that can accentuate any style.
Myth: “Blinds And Shutters Are Basically The Same Thing.”
For some reason, there’s a lot of confusion over the difference between shutters and blinds. Perhaps it has to do with homeowners conflating “slats” and “louvers,” or it’s the similarity in shape that causes the confusion. No matter the reason, shutters and blinds are pretty easy to distinguish when you look at their features. Below is a basic breakdown of both.
| What’s the difference? | Blinds | Shutters |
| Can block out whole window134 | No | Yes |
| Structure | Dangles from cord | Solid frame mounted on to window frame |
| Lifetime | Will wear down or deteriorate after 2-3 years. | Will easily last 20+ years. |
| Permanent or temporary? | Temporary | Permanent |
| Increases home value | No | Yes |
| Energy Efficiency | Minimal | Can block up to 50% of heat from the sun. |
| Specialty Windows | Can only fit rectangular windows. | Can fit any specialty shape windows. |
| What are the horizontal parts called? | Slats | Louvers |
Myth #4: “All window treatments are similar in energy efficiency.”
Like the “Blinds vs. Shutters” table shows, window treatments can vary by a wide margin on how much energy efficiency they offer. The structure, material, and finish will all make a difference in how energy efficient a window treatment can be.
On the lowest end of the spectrum you have no window treatment whatsoever. Offering just a tad more energy efficiency are your typical department store mini blinds. Up a little further on the spectrum are draperies and heavier fabric window treatments. Getting even closer to energy efficient territory we have typical wood shutters and honeycomb shades, built to offer UV protection and heat reduction. But the real king of the hill in energy efficiency is Polywood plantation shutters, built to both reflect and block heat from the sun from moving through your window.
No More Shutter Myths
If you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of misinformation about shutters, we want to throw you a lifeline. Call Sunburst Shutters Fort Myers today at 239-208-6577 to speak to one of our pros and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation to find your perfect shutter or window treatment today.
